How about the Maori? They were pratically born to be warriors, many started training at around age seven. Their martial skill was so powerful that they're one of the few indigenous peoples to never really be conquered by the invader. In Australia, 200 Kalkadoon warriors made a last stand against many better armed British and indigenous soldiers. After hours of fighting against superior weaponery, including a cavalry charge, they finally charged at the enemy with spears drawn and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Eh, I honestly don't mind the graphics - I'm always for something colourful in an era full of murky dark visuals, and I like the exaggerated animations. From what I've heard from people in the Beta it doesn't take that long to get used to them. I don't remember AOE games being particularly revered for their graphics, either - sure, they're always pretty but it's not a major selling point. I think it's easy to forgive RE for thinking the same and concentrating on gameplay instead. I've been very sympathetic to this game, just because of how much hate has been directed at it. People are seriously wishing ill on RE just for one game they barely know anything about and haven't played yet, they're making fun of developers on the official forums and so forth. I really don't see what's so offensive about it. I hate MMO but again, from what I've heard the "MMO" aspect has been very played up in the marketing and, ultimately, it's just the same AOE game with a few things added to it that are entirely optional. I don't like the non-historical element but AOE games have never been accurate. I guess ultimately I feel that considering it's free and you're not being nickle and dimed it's nothing to go up in arms about.

Although the Egyptians have been done in many strategy games, I don't think they've ever been portrayed realistically at all, so I'm definitely behind this. Great start. A khopesh wielding warrior could be one of the super units, specialising against non-Egyptian units, reflecting on its superior evolution from Canaanite beginnings. Just a thought.

Well I'll hopefully be living in Canada sometime within the next couple years since I want to study in Toronto. It looks like a lovely country too and doesn't seem too different to Australia socially, so it won't be too much of a culture shock. After that, pretty boring choice but I'd love to live in the US, at least the north east, NYC or Boston would be amazing to me since there's so much history and culture there. And for a third choice... probably Turkey. I can't choose between Europe or the Middle East so I'll go with the best of both worlds.

May as well bump this thread again... well, right now I'm a freelance artist working on a portfolia/saving money to study at a particular school in Canada (Toronto to be precise) in a year or two (preferably after my sister's wedding in late 2011, since I'm real darn excited about that). I suppose I'm in that stage of life where I just want to be away from home for a little while.

Very nice, I agree with you on all fronts. First time I've heard of Rise and Fall in years, too... my, that was an odd game. I gotta say, you more or less described the game I've wanted to make since I was in high school. One day...

Not to ask a noobish question, but is it possible to actually play the game right now, despite the lack of some important features and with some bugs and tweaking? If so, it's certainly an exciting stage!

I plan on playing the Iberians first, and from the sounds of things they're turtle-rushers, which I can dig. Of course, I'll play the other civs as well, even though I don't care too much for the Romans - but hey, you never know - they might end up being the most fun to me!